3. Intuitive Surgical
100 Fastest-Growing rank: 21
Years on the list: 4
This surgical-robotics firm has made our list for the fourth year in a row on sales and services of its "da Vinci" systems for use in a range of chest, neurologic, and gynecologic procedures. Surgeons use the firm's computer-aided robotic technology to perform tiny incisions while seated at a console a few feet away from the patient.
Since its first system was cleared for use in minimally invasive procedures ten years ago, the firm has installed over 1,500 da Vincis -- at a cost of between $1 million and $2.4 million each -- in hospitals around the world. About 205,000 procedures were performed with the technology last year. Intuitive Surgical expects a 35% surge in total procedures in 2010.
--D.M.
NEXT: 4. Apple
Last updated August 19 2010: 7:28 AM ET
